Past activities 2010 - 2012

Different countries and regions have different requirements for the labelling of living modified organisms (LMOs) and different thresholds at which the presence of an LMO triggers any labelling requirements. Similarly, the sensitivity and accuracy of different methods for detecting LMOs give rise to different margins of error in interpreting the results from LMO detection. So even if the relative quantity of an LMO detected in a sample is below the threshold for labelling, the margin of error associated with the test may indicate that the actual percentage of the LMO in the sample and the consignment from which it was drawn could be above the labelling threshold. Likewise, the relative quantity of an LMO detected in a sample may be above the threshold for labelling but the margin of error associated with the test may mean that the actual quantity of the LMO in the sample is below the threshold.

    * What experiences do laboratories have with interpreting test results for labelling purposes?
    * What is the role of the margin of error in the interpretation of test results?

Dear all,

Please note that in September 2011 the European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed (EU-RL GMFF) has published a technical guidance document on the implementation of Commission Regulation (EU) No 619/2011 (see attached or http://gmo-crl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/guidancedocs.htm)

This recently adopted Commission Regulation (EU) No 619/2011 lays down the methods for sampling and analysis for the official control of feed as regards to presence of genetically modified material for which an authorisation procedure is pending (in the EU) or the authorisation of which has expired (the so-called LLP, Low Level Presence Regulation).

Although focusing on the implementation of a EU Regulation, this technical guidance document may be of relevance for detection of GMOs at "low level" (0.1%)